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Computer information systems instructor education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a computer information systems instructor. Computer information systems instructors usually study business, computer science, or computer information systems. 54% of computer information systems instructors hold a bachelor's degree, and 24% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 327 real computer information systems instructor resumes to see exactly what computer information systems instructor education sections show.

The most common colleges for computer information systems instructors are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.

There are also many online computer information systems instructor courses to help get the education required to be a computer information systems instructor.

What education do you need to become a computer information systems instructor?

What degree do you need to be a computer information systems instructor?

The most common degree for computer information systems instructors is bachelor's degree, with 54% of computer information systems instructors earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 24% and master's degree degree at 16%.
  • Bachelor's, 54%
  • Master's, 24%
  • Associate, 16%
  • Doctorate, 5%
  • Other Degrees, 1%

What should I major in to become a computer information systems instructor?

You should major in business to become a computer information systems instructor. 21% of computer information systems instructors major in business. Other common majors for a computer information systems instructor include computer science and computer information systems.

Most common colleges for computer information systems instructors

Computer information systems instructors often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, Arizona State University, and Arkansas State University. Here are the most common colleges for computer information systems instructors in the US based on their resumes.
Computer information systems instructor common collegePercentages
University of Phoenix13.56%
Arizona State University6.78%
Arkansas State University6.78%
Walden University6.78%
American InterContinental University6.78%

Best majors for computer information systems instructors

Best colleges for computer information systems instructors

The best colleges for computer information systems instructors are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Carnegie Mellon University.

A computer information systems instructor with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for computer information systems instructors. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become computer information systems instructors.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

2. Georgetown University

Washington, DC • Private

In-state tuition

$54,104

Enrollment

7,089

3. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

4. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

5. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

6. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

7. SUNY at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$10,099

Enrollment

21,404

8. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,465

Enrollment

6,483

9. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

In-state tuition

$53,399

Enrollment

7,356

10. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

20 best online courses for computer information systems instructors

Advertising disclosure

1. Introduction to Computer Information Systems

coursera

This Specialization is intended for anyone seeking to learn basic computer skills. Through 3 courses, you will study computer hardware, software, and data safety. You will also learn about digital literacy and productivity tools. These courses will prepare you for a number of jobs within the field of computer information systems...

2. Computer Hardware and Software

coursera

This course provides foundational understanding of how computers process information through hardware and software. You will investigate the world of Information Technology (IT) and survey hardware components, mobile devices, operating systems, programs and apps, network fundamentals, the Internet, and touch on security and ethics...

3. Information Technology Essentials

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4.4
(575)

Introduction to Information Technology and Information Systems...

4. Basic Computer Course - Windows 7/10 - IT & Desktop Support

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4.7
(1,213)

Basic computer course with troubleshooting skills -computer hardware and computer networking, for IT support technicians...

5. Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance

coursera

The course is awarded The Best Free Online Courses of All Time, and Best Online Courses of the Year (2021 Edition) by Class Central (http://www.classcentral.com). --- Information systems (IS) are important assets to business organizations and are ubiquitous in our daily lives. With the latest IS technologies emerging, such as Big Data, FinTech, Virtual Banks, there are more concerns from the public on how organizations maintain systems’ integrity, such as data privacy, information security, the...

6. Computer Security and Systems Management

coursera

The Computer Security and Systems Management Specialization focuses on computing in an enterprise environment. Combining both theory and real world experience and architecture, the courses will prepare you to design and audit secure enterprise systems. The courses will cover practical use of major server operating systems in an enterprise environment and how to design and operate them securely...

7. Beginner's Guide to Information Technology

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4.5
(357)

Learn the basics of Information Technology and Computer Engineering...

8. Certificate Program In Management Information Systems

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4.1
(261)

Learn about the exciting world of Management Information Systems and its impact on the way organisations now function...

9. Introduction to Computer Programming with Visual Basic

coursera

This specialization is for anyone interested in learning more about computer programming, including the fundamental computer science knowledge and skills required for work in this field. Through 4 courses in this Specialization, you'll develop a foundation in the fundamentals of programming, including knowledge and skills essential for a career in information technology and data science.\n\nYou'll use your own computer to install and configure Visual Basic, and after the course you'll be ready...

10. Information​ ​Systems

coursera

This specialization provides a robust introduction to the key principles and practices of Information Systems Management.\n\nThe first course describes how Information Systems address business problems. This takes the form of an IT alignment model that describes how Information Systems provide capabilities that enable or support organizational strategy. This component also includes an economic analysis of the Information System.\n\nThe second course in the specialization entails the practice of...

11. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking

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4.1
(314)

For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...

12. The Complete Computer Basics Guide for Beginners: 2023

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4.3
(1,163)

Computer Basics, Basic Computer Course, Windows 11 Basics, Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Basic Computer Skills,2023...

13. The Complete Computer Basics Course: Become a Power User

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4
(374)

Basic Computer Course - IT Support - Computer Fundamentals - Desktop Support - Basic Computer Skills...

14. Windows 10 System Administration & Basic Computer Skills

udemy
4.2
(441)

Learn the basics of system administration for the Windows 10 operating system, as well as some basic computer skills...

15. Computer Architecture and Computer Organization Masterclass

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4.3
(1,176)

Full Program: Computer Organization, Computer Architecture, Instruction Set, CPU, Memory Hierarchy (FREE Lecture Notes)...

16. Distributed Systems & Cloud Computing with Java

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4.7
(2,569)

Learn Distributed Java Applications at Scale, Parallel Programming, Distributed Computing & Cloud Software Architecture...

17. The Foundations of Computer Design

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4.2
(340)

Learn how basic computers are designed - a fundamental topic in computer science...

18. Learn Cloud Computing from Scratch

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4
(566)

A Quick Introduction to Cloud Computing Technologies and Ecosystem...

19. Computer Networks Foundations - Best Starter Course [2023]

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4.5
(444)

Learn foundations of computer network systems in a simplified manner...

20. Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO)

udemy
4.5
(656)

Certified Information Systems Security Officer (CISSO) Certification Exam Prep Course...

Top 10 most affordable universities for computer information systems instructors

The most affordable schools for computer information systems instructors are Baruch College of the City University of New York, brigham young university, and california state university - bakersfield.

If the best universities for computer information systems instructors are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for computer information systems instructors.

1. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

2. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

3. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

4. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

5. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

6. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

7. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

8. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

9. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

10. Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$7,879

Cost of attendance

21,223

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for computer information systems instructors

The hardest universities for computer information systems instructors to get into are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Carnegie Mellon University.

Some great schools for computer information systems instructors are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for computer information systems instructors based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

3. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

4. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

5. Georgetown University

Washington, DC • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,456

6. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

7. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

8. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

9. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

10. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for computer information systems instructors

The easiest schools for computer information systems instructors to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, ottawa university, and notre dame college.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a computer information systems instructor without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for computer information systems instructors.

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Ottawa University

Ottawa, KS • Private

Admissions rate

78%

SAT average

1,024

3. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

4. Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, WI • Private

Admissions rate

71%

SAT average

1,035

5. University of Baltimore

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

78%

SAT average

1,020

6. Iona College

New Rochelle, NY • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,089

7. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

8. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

1,003

9. Cleary University

Howell, MI • Private

Admissions rate

58%

SAT average

1,039

10. Linfield College

McMinnville, OR • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

1,117

Average computer information systems instructor salary by education level

Computer information systems instructors with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $84,194 annually. With a Doctorate degree, computer information systems instructors earn a median annual income of $78,698 compared to $68,678 for computer information systems instructors with an Bachelor's degree.
Computer information systems instructor education levelComputer information systems instructor salary
Master's Degree$84,194
High School Diploma or Less$58,506
Bachelor's Degree$68,678
Doctorate Degree$78,698
Some College/ Associate Degree$60,374

Computer information systems instructor education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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